Arboretum Hosts 5th World Bonsai Convention

WASHINGTON, May 27--The U.S. National Arboretum (USNA)
has scheduled a special evening banquet and tour of its bonsai museum on May 29
as part of the 5th World
Bonsai Convention being held in the nation's capital this weekend.

"The convention gives participants a rare opportunity to see many of
the world's foremost bonsai and penjing masters demonstrate their expert
techniques," said
Thomas
Elias, director of the arboretum. "We're honored to be co-sponsoring the
event and to share our collections with bonsai lovers from around the world."

The arboretum is operated by the Agricultural Research Service, a
U.S. Department of Agriculture scientific
research agency. In conjunction with the convention, held every four years in a
different country, the arboretum will showcase both its permanent bonsai
display and several special exhibits.

The convention will feature demonstrations, workshops and informative
lectures. Exhibits of outstanding bonsai and penjing specimens, viewing stones
and pots will be featured throughout the convention, and vendors will display
and sell bonsai-related items. The convention will be held at the Washington
Hilton Hotel and is open to the public. People can register for the full
convention or a single day. There is a fee of $10 to view the exhibits.

Opening ceremonies will feature a tribute to Saburo Kato and John
Naka, founding fathers of the World Bonsai Friendship
Federation. Founded in 1989, the federation was created to promote world
peace and friendship through bonsai and its allied arts. Former U.S. Ambassador
to Japan Thomas Foley and current Japanese Ambassador to the United States
Ryozo Kato are honorary co-chairs for the convention.

The arboretum is home to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the
largest and most comprehensive museum of its kind in the world that allows the
general public to learn about and enjoy these interesting living art forms,
free of charge. More information about the USNA, bonsai museum, including a
virtual tour of museum, and the convention can be found at http://www.usna.usda.gov.